A Japanese version of the Dissociative Experiences Scale (J-DES) was developed and administered to 199 late adolescents, 40 normal adults, 16 schizophrenics, and 19 subjects with dissociative disorders whose diagnoses were made with a comprehensive assessment including a semi-structured interview. As a result, the J-DES yielded comparable reliability and validity with those established for the Dissociative Experience Scale in North America. Of 19 with dissociative disorders, one was identified as multiple personality disorder (MPD [DSM-IV name change: dissociative identity disorder]) and eight were identified as dissociative disorder not otherwise specified (DDNOS). A large percentage of those with DDNOS had partial symptomatic profiles of MPD except for identity disturbance. The distribution of J-DES scores suggested that the concept of a dissociative continuum is cross-culturally applicable, although the presentation of dissociative disorders may be influenced by the Japanese cultural background.